Missy Suicide started the project in 2001 to celebrate different and real women. She started to take the act on the road in 2003.

The tour went until 2008 when they had the opportunity to open for Guns ‘N Roses and Courtney Love.

“At that time we were the only people that were doing non-traditional [burlesque],” Suicide said.

Bambu Suicide as Stormtrooper in the final routine of the night. / SECRET SERVICE PUBLICITY photo

They took a break soon after to work on other projects but Suicide said that when they were ready to tour again, the non-traditional burlesque style had become mainstream.

Show celebrates pop culture

“We knew that we really needed to up our game. So this show is super choreographed, the girls are incredible dancers, costumes are great, the soundtrack is amazing. It’s not like your traditional burlesque show.”

Suicide describes burlesque as “the art of the tease,” and the Black Heart show features seven SuicideGirls teasing the audience with dances that reference pop-culture such as Game of Thrones and Star Wars.

“My favorite number is the Planet of the Apes number. It’s set to a disclosure song and it also has a secret pop-culture reference in there that is near and dear to my heart,” Suicide said.

Appeal reaches beyond the traditional

Maxxy Suicide performs. / SECRET SERVICE PUBLICITY PHOTO

The Rickshaw Theatre will be hosting the opening show and owner Mo Tarmohamed says the show will likely bring a certain crowd, but that isn’t anything new to them.

“We don’t really have a normal crowd anymore,” Tormohamed said. “Our mission is to give exposure to independent artists whether they be local or touring acts.”

The SuicideGirls’ website has a diverse range of viewers, 51 per cent of which are women. Suicide says the show really has something for everyone and that women are almost always a huge part of the audience.

“It’s non-threatening,” Suicide said. “It’s fun. It’s the best time you can have.”